4-H Day at the Capitol was celebrated Wednesday, February 8, 2017 in Atlanta. Decatur County 4-H’er Savannah Padgettt who is the Southwest District representative of the Georgia 4-H Board of Directors, joined with almost 350 4-H youth and leaders for this eventful day.

4-H’ers visited the State Capitol to meet with their representatives and senators, tour the capitol building, and witness the legislative process. State 4-H President James Hancock (Irwin County) addressed both houses of the Georgia General Assembly, thanking them for their continued support of 4-H and pledging Georgia 4-H’s commitment to work to improve Georgia’s communities. Georgia 4-H appreciates our hosts for the day: Senator Ellis Black (R-8), Representative Rick Jasperse (R-11), House Appropriations Chairman Representative Terry England (R-116), and Representative Clay Pirkle (R-155).

Following the Capitol tour and visit, 4-H’ers enjoyed a luncheon provided by the Georgia 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. Commissioner Gary Black of the Georgia Department of Agriculture; Mrs. Anne Sapp, chair of the 4-H Georgia 4-H Foundation; and Hannah Rull, UGA collegiate 4-H president reflected on their own involvement in 4-H and encouraged the 4’Hers to continue to serve their counties and communities though their 4-H activities.

Resolutions in the House and Senate recognized 4-H honorees who were national winners, delegates to national events, and district 4-H presidents. The day’s activities concluded with a picture of the entire delegation with Speaker of the House David Ralston (R-7) and a number of representatives and senators. Georgia 4-H thanks Georgia’s leaders for their warm welcome and continued support of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Extension, and Georgia 4-H. For information on involvement in Decatur County 4-H, please contact the Decatur County Extension Office at 229-248-3033.